For travelers
to Goa, the visit is not complete unless
they take back a souvenir of their memorable
sojourn in this magnificent paradise. Naturally,
shopping should be a priority on the itinerary
of every tourist, along with the sightseeing
attractions.
Local
Handicraft
The excellent local handicrafts of Goa are
easily the most popular souvenir items and
include brass ware, terra cotta, shell work,
crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work,
paperback, etc. These are available in the
Government Emporia and also at shops and
stalls near the popular tourist spots.
Cashew
Nuts
Another item which is on the list of every
traveler to Goa is a pack of the famed cashew
nuts. These are available practically everywhere.
There are shops specialising in selling
only cashew nuts. The nuts are available
in a wide variety of tastes ranging from
plain, salted and masala. The prices vary
based on the quality and flavor.
GHRSSIDC
The Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale
Industries Development Corporation Limited
(GHRSSIDC), a Government of Goa Undertaking,
was set up in October 1980. Its main objective
is to encourage, promote and market the
myriad of Goan handicrafts by making these
items available through its various outlets.
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Lifestyle
and Fashion Shops
There are also many fascinating options
in the lifestyle and fashion shops which
have come up in recent times. Some of these
are located in fabulous old Goan houses
which have been painstakingly restored.
These shops make the best selections in
home styling and fashion available to the
tourists at quite reasonable prices.
Traditional
Markets
It is also a fascinating experience to go
around and shop in the traditional markets
of the Goan towns and villages. These markets
are a mirror of Goa's ethnic culture and
provide a glimpse of the typical Goan way
of doing business.
Mapusa
and Anjuna
Two of the most famous such market areas
are Mapusa and Anjuna. The Friday Market
at Mapusa, where stalls sell everything
from curios and old coins to dried fish
and spices.
Wednesday
Market at Anjuna Beach
The Wednesday Market at Anjuna Beach started
by and for foreigners is an extremely lively
spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets
and handicrafts are sold at bargain prices.
Hotels
in-House Shops
Most deluxe
hotels and resorts
also have good in-house shops, but the price
ranges are usually higher.
The charm of shopping in
Goa lies in bargaining to your heart's content
in markets and shops until you finally bring
down the price and make the purchase a worthwhile
experience. |